The accident and emergency department (A&E) at Mount Elizabeth Hospitals provides immediate medical attention to critical and life-threatening
emergencies, as well as treatment to patients with urgent medical problems.

The average wait time at our A&E is 30 minutes.

Our medical specialists are well-trained to respond to emergencies
efficiently and effectively, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our multidisciplinary team provides quality and personalised care for conditions
such as (but not limited to):

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is usually a result of a temporary stomach ache caused by trapped wind, indigestion, overeating, smoking, or a viral or bacterial infection. In women, they can also be due to menstrual cramps. For mild to moderate pain, an over-the-counter painkiller can be taken.

More serious causes of abdominal pain, particularly if the pain is sudden and localised, include appendicitis, ulcers, gallstones or kidney stones. In women, it may also be caused by some gynaecological emergencies.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

your pain is sudden or severe and lasts more than an hour, or comes and goes for more than 24 hours

you can’t stop vomiting, or there is blood in your vomit

you pass bloody or black stools

you have diarrhoea

you cannot eat or drink for hours

you have a fever higher than 39ºC

Here's what you can do before arriving at the A&E:

Take frequent sips of water to stay hydrated unless you suspect you have appendicitis.

Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol as these can worsen the pain.

Place a hot water bottle or warm compress on your abdomen. Be careful not to scald yourself.

For severe pain, you may take a mild painkiller such as paracetamol. Avoid aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs unless otherwise advised by a doctor.

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Cold and Flu

A cold can be caused by any of several viruses that attack the nose and throat, causing
inflammation that leads to a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, sore
throat and cough.

If your symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, tiredness, loss of appetite
and nausea, you may have influenza or flu. This is caused by a different group
of viruses and is more severe and contagious than a cold.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

you have difficulty breathing or you feel short of breath

you have a fever of 38°C or higher

your GP refers you

you have a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, lung
disease or kidney disease

you have unusual symptoms, such as weakness of arms and legs, joint pain and
swelling, or rashes

you are 65 and over

you are pregnant

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Cuts and Bruises

Cuts are wounds that break the skin surface, causing bleeding. Bruises form under
the skin due to hard contact with an object or person. A bruise occurs when small
blood vessels burst and form a reddish mark under the skin.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

the cut is deep and the bleeding won’t stop

you see exposed bone or tendon tissues

you suspect a foreign body is left in the wound

you develop an infection, ie. a fever, as well as swelling, pain, or pus in the
wound

the cut is caused by an animal or rusty object

you have been hit on the head or ear

you feel dizzy, nauseous or faint

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Fever

A fever may accompany infections, illnesses, or cases of overheating or dehydration.

You have a fever when your body temperature is higher than 37.4°C. You may also experience headaches, loss of appetite, body aches, shivers, sweating or weakness and a hot, flushed face. Don’t rely on touch to assess a temperature. Use a thermometer.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

you are struggling to breathe (especially in children)

you experience severe chest pain

you have a severe headache

you are coughing up blood

you had a seizure or fits, coupled with fever

you are pregnant

you have recently been to Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the Middle East

you just had surgery or a medical procedure

you get an infection often

you are on chemotherapy and your oral temperature goes above 38ºC for more than 1 hour

you are taking steroids and medicines used to prevent rejection after an organ transplant

Drink water or suck on ice chips to replenish fluids lost through sweat. For young children, an electrolyte solution is recommended.

Adults may take fever-reducing medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin. Children should be given the correct dosage of paracetamol based on their age and weight.

(Note: Do not give aspirin to children, teenagers, or ibuprofen to infants under 6 months of age.)

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Headaches

There are more than 150 different types of headache, so treating one can be more
complicated than you would think. Headaches can be caused by stress, lack of
sleep, hunger, flu, sinus problems, too much alcohol (leading to dehydration)
or allergies.

Symptoms could also be the after effects of a head injury, or indicate a more serious
condition such as a stroke or brain tumour.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

you are experiencing the most severe headache to date

you hit your head prior to the headache, and the headache is getting worse

you are slurring your speech

your limbs feel weak or numb

you have a stiff neck

you have a seizure

you have blurring or loss of vision

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Hives

Hives are raised, itchy skin rashes. They come on suddenly and can be localised to
one area of the body or spread over a larger area. They can last for a few hours
or even months. To treat it, keep the skin cool, apply an ice pack to the affected
areas and ensure that clothes are loose and light to avoid further irritation.

Doctors often can’t identify the source of the outbreak, but common suspects include
stress, infections, insect bites, changes in temperature or an allergic reaction
to a substance or food.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

you suspect it is due to an allergic reaction

your eyes, lips, tongue or throat swell up

you are finding it difficult to breathe or swallow

you experience stomach pain or diarrhoea

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Insect Bites and Stings

Insect bites and stings usually require no medical intervention as they typically
only cause swollen, itchy, red marks on the skin that clear up after a few days.

Gently scrape off any stinger. Do not try to squeeze it out as you may spread the
venom. Wash the area with soap and water and pat dry. Apply an ice pack to minimise
swelling. Do not scratch the areas as this may lead to infection. Instead, apply
over-the-counter topical medication recommended by your pharmacist.

Occasionally, some bites or stings can trigger more serious allergic reactions that
require immediate medical attention.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

you have been stung 3 or more times

you have been stung in the mouth or other parts of your body, and you feel itchiness
on your mouth or face

your eyes, lips, tongue or throat feel swollen

you are struggling to breathe

you feel nauseous, are vomiting or have diarrhoea

your heart is beating very fast

you feel giddy, agitated or confused

your skin has gone very pale

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Mild Burns and Scalds

Burns and scalds are injuries to the skin caused by heat. Scalds are caused by steam,
liquids and chemicals while burns are caused by dry heat such as fire or hot
metal. Burns are classified from first degree (least serious) to third degree
(most serious). Third degree burns and any burns over a large skin area require
immediate medical attention.

For small first and second degree burns, remove any clothing or jewellery near the
burnt area. If clothing is stuck to the wound, do NOT try to remove it. Pour
cool water over the wound for at least 10 minutes. Do NOT use ice, iced water,
butter or other greasy substances. Cover the burn loosely with a sterile gauze
bandage or cling wrap, taking care not to touch the burn or burst any blisters.
Ask your pharmacist to recommend over-the-counter painkillers.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

your burn is bigger than your hand

you have been burnt in the nose, mouth, throat, eyes, ears or genital area

you have inhaled smoke

you are struggling to breathe

you have been burnt by chemicals, electricity or lightning

your skin is white, leathery or charred

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Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea is discomfort in the stomach that makes you feel like vomiting. Nausea can be a symptom of simply overeating or caused by common minor ailments such as viral infections, motion sickness, food allergies, or morning sickness in pregnancy. When feeling nauseous, sip small amounts of water or a sports drink and try to eat some light, bland food in small amounts. If you have vomited, avoid taking any food until you can hold it down.

Nausea could also be a sign of intestinal blockage, concussion or head injuries, all of which require immediate medical attention.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

you also have a severe stomach, chest, belly pains, or headache

you also have a fever higher than 38ºC

you are vomiting after a head injury

you throw up blood or substance that looks like coffee grounds

you have a bowel movement with blood, or a bowel movement that is black like tar

you have a severe headache or stiff neck

you feel very tired or have trouble getting up

you are severely dehydrated, eg. you feel very thirsty, giddy or have a dry mouth. Signs of dehydration include:

Feeling very tired

Being very thirsty, or having a dry mouth or tongue

Muscle cramps

Dizziness

Confusion

Urine that is dark yellow, or not needing to urinate for more than 5 hours

Here's what you can do before arriving at the A&E:

Bring a disposable vomit bag with you.

Rest either sitting up or propped in a lying position with your head elevated.

Do not force yourself to eat.

Take small sips of water slowly and avoid any caffeinated or carbonated drinks. If you can keep fluids down, try an oral rehydration solution to replace electrolytes lost through vomiting.

Avoid fatty and oily food.

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Nosebleed

Nosebleeds happen when the tiny blood vessels in your nose burst. The bleeding can
appear to be very light or very heavy, involve just one or both nostrils, and
last from a few seconds to over 10 minutes. There are various causes of nosebleeds
such as blowing your nose too hard, dry climates, irritation from foreign objects
in the nose, being hit in the face, allergies, infections, or alcohol or drug
use.

If you have a nosebleed, sit down, lean forward and pinch your nose just above the
nostrils. Breathe through your mouth and wait for the bleeding to stop. If your
nose is injured, place an ice pack on the bridge of your nose.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

your nosebleed is caused by an injury, such as being punched or hit by an object

your nosebleed won’t stop after 20 minutes

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Strains and Sprains

Strains and sprains are injuries to your muscles, tendons or ligaments, usually due to an accident while moving. Both can cause pain, swelling, bruising, soreness and restricted movement.

A strain is the stretching or partial tearing of your muscles or tendons, commonly in the leg and back. A sprain is the stretching or partial tearing of the ligaments, most commonly in the knees, ankles and wrists.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

your GP refers you

you are experiencing severe pain in the injured body part

there is deformity of the limb involved

Here's what you can do before arriving at the A&E:

Try not to rest any weight on your injured area.

Continue to ice the injured area with an ice pack wrapped in a wet towel. Apply for around 15 – 20 minutes each time. Repeat every 2 – 3 hours.

If you experience severe pain, you may take a painkiller such as paracetamol.

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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A UTI is a very common bacterial infection that mainly affects women. Generally lasting
between 24 and 48 hours, a UTI can cause abdominal pain, bloody urine and an
urge to urinate more often than usual, as well as a burning sensation in the
urinary passage.

Drink plenty of water to flush out your system and avoid holding in urine when you
feel a need to pass it out. Antibiotics may also help you to get better faster.

It is possible for a UTI to infect your kidneys, which will require urgent medical
attention.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

you have a severe pain or tenderness in your back or side

you have a severe fever

you feel nauseous or are vomiting

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Asthma

Asthma is a common condition that causes wheezing, coughing, a tight chest and shortness
of breath. Depending on the severity of the condition, these symptoms will affect
the airways in different ways and can be triggered by a range of different things.
Common triggers include pollens, moulds, air pollutants such as haze, pet allergies,
dust mites, smoking and infections, including coughs and colds. Exercise may
also trigger an attack.

If you experience a suspected asthma attack, sit down, stay calm and try to take
slow, steady breaths.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

your symptoms are getting worse

you don’t have your inhaler with you or you have not been prescribed one

you don’t feel better after using your inhaler

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Acute gout

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood. Uric
acid is formed naturally in the body, but consuming too much red meat, organ
meat, seafood and alcoholic beverages (particularly, beer) can result in an excess.

Gout causes painful swelling that affects mobility. It normally occurs in the big
toe, but may also affect the ankles, heels, knees and other joints in the body.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers can help to ease the pain of an acute gout attack.
To prevent reoccurrence, eat plenty of vegetables and poultry, drink lots of
water, and minimise the consumption of alcohol, red meat and seafood.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if your GP refers you.

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Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral infection that is commonly transmitted by mosquito bites.
It may be diagnosed if you have recently been bitten by a mosquito and experience
a headache, body and joint pain, rash, stomach pain, or fever that lasts more
than 2 days.

Take plenty of time to rest and drink lots of fluids. Over-the-counter pain relievers
may also help, but avoid taking aspirin as it can make the condition worse.

Rare complications require urgent medical attention. These are more common in people
with conditions that compromise their immune systems, or who have had dengue
fever.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

your GP refers you

you are feeling extremely faint and weak

you develop bleeding (including menstruation)

you feel worse in the 24 hours after the fever goes down

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Vertigo

Vertigo makes you feel like your surroundings are spinning around you. This may be
accompanied by nausea, vomiting or a ringing in the ears. It can be linked to
several conditions, but one of the most common is labyrinthitis, which is caused
by a swelling of the nerves in the ear that are vital for balance.

If you are diagnosed with an infection, specific medications can help to relieve
your symptoms. More rarely, vertigo is a sign of a serious neurological condition
such as a stroke.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

you are very distressed by the vertigo

you find difficulty maintaining balance or walking

you are finding it difficult to speak or swallow

your face is drooping

your arms and legs feel numb or weak

you have recently sustained a neck injury

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Choking

If the airway is fully blocked, immediate medical intervention is required. A prolonged
lack of air may cause permanent damage to the brain.

If you see a person choking, you should attempt to help the person dislodge
the choke. If you are alone, call an ambulance and attempt to free the blockage
by:

placing a fist above the person’s navel

grasping your fist with your other hand and bending over a hard surface, such
as a table or chair

thrusting your fist inwards and upwards

If the patient is obese or pregnant, place your fist in the centre of the chest and
thrust your fist inwards and backwards. If the patient turns unconscious, place
the patient on the floor, call an ambulance and begin compressions on their chest
until help arrives.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if the food goes down the ‘right pipe’ but gets stuck, and you can’t remove it.

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Minor Trauma

An accident or fall can lead to a minor injury to your knee, back, ankle, shoulder
or other joints. Symptoms of a torn tendon or ligament may include swelling,
pain, numbness, bruising, stiffness, tenderness and a clicking or popping sound
when you move the affected joint.

Ignoring a minor injury for too long increases your risk of developing a
long-term condition or chronic pain. You need an accurate diagnosis to avoid
as much long-lasting damage as possible. If an injury of an upper limb, lower
limb, or back does not seem to be healing, you should see an orthopaedic surgeon
for an assessment.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

you are in a lot of pain and can’t put weight on the injured (lower) limb

you can’t move the joint or muscle

the limb or joint looks out of shape/deformed

the injury is numb, discoloured or cold

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Allergies

Your body has an allergic reaction when it is exposed to an allergen and perceived
it as harmful. People are triggered by different allergens, so what triggers
you might not trigger someone else. Common allergens include food, such as nuts,
eggs, shellfish and dairy products, as well as certain medications and dust.

Depending on the severity of your allergy, you may experience an itchy rash, itchy
or watery eyes, nasal congestion, hives, vomiting or stomach pain. Over-the-counter
antihistamines can alleviate many of the symptoms of mild allergic reactions.

Chest Pain

Chest pain can be caused by several conditions, some mild and some severe. Heart-related chest pain usually occurs in the central part of the chest, above or involving the stomach. It may feel like a squeezing or strangling sensation that radiates down the neck, jaw and arms, and occasionally your back. This may be accompanied by giddiness, tiredness, shoulder pain, nausea or vomiting.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

your pain is new, severe or intense, and lasts for more than a few minutes

the pain worsens when you walk or exert strength

you feel dizzy, out of breath or overly sweaty

you are struggling to breathe

the pain scares or worries you

Here's what you can do before arriving at the A&E:

Loosen any tight clothing around your neck and waist to facilitate breathing.

Keep calm. Rest in a comfortable position with your head and back supported.

Avoid taking any food or drinks or stimulants such as alcohol, tea, coffee or cigarettes.

If you suspect you are having a heart attack and your doctor has previously prescribed medication for you, take it as directed.

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Stroke

A stroke cuts off the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, which can result in
permanent brain damage or death. It requires immediate medical attention.

You are more at risk of a stroke if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or heart
disease, and if you smoke or consume excessive alcohol. Reduce your risk by maintaining
a healthy blood pressure, quitting smoking and exercising regularly.

Visit our 24-hour clinic if:

your pain is severe or intense, and lasts for longer than 15 minutes

the pain worsens when you walk or exert strength

you feel dizzy, out of breath or overly sweaty

you are struggling to breathe

Admissions

Our 24-hour clinic has a panel of medical specialists on call. Please notify the admissions counter
if you wish to be attended by a preferred specialist based in our hospital.

Bills & Insurance

You may have a personal accident plan, comprehensive hospitalisation plan or travel insurance
that covers your expenses for your visits to a 24-hour clinic (or A&E). If so, read the
tips below to ensure a seamless claiming process:

1. If you have an international or corporate plan, speak to your insurance provider ahead of
time to check if direct billing is possible.

2. Retain all records and receipts to support your claim.

3. Check if your insurance provider’s claim form needs to be completed by a doctor before you
are discharged from the hospital.

In case of a medical emergency, and you are admitted to a hospital after a visit to our 24-hour
clinic, please contact our admissions counter or call
+65 6812 3776
to check if your insurance coverage is eligible for direct billing or the cashless service.

Waiting Time

The average waiting time to see a doctor at our 24-hour A&E clinic is about 30 minutes. This is approximate and for informational purposes only.

The waiting time depends on several factors including the severity of a patient’s medical condition and the number of patients at the A&E. It is our priority to provide care to the most critical cases first.

Assessment of a patient's condition is done at the triage stage. Patients showing emergency signs will be prioritised before non-urgent cases that do not require immediate medical attention.

Parkway Ambulance Service

Our hospital is supported by the Parkway Ambulance Service that provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation services. Visit Ambulance and Special Transport for more information.